RCMP Nabs DVD Counterfeiters

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced that it shut down a significant DVD counterfeiting ring operating in the greater Toronto, Ontario area.

For more information visit: www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca


Unedited press release follows:

RCMP shut down DVD counterfeiting operations

TORONTO, April 15 – The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Federal Enforcement Section of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) executed nine Search Warrants at business locations in the GTA, as part of an investigation dubbed Project OCREEK, involving the manufacture and sales of counterfeit dvd’s.

Of significance to the investigation is the seizure of tens of thousands of packaging materials such as plastic sleeves and jewel cases used to produce and distribute the counterfeit dvd’s. Also seized were over 50,000 counterfeit dvds, 20 burners and $20,000 cash. The dvd’s included new North American titled movies currently playing in the theatres. It is alleged that pirated copies are being manufactured, distributed and offered for a sale amount of between $2.00 to $20.00.

“Piracy is a widespread problem not only in the GTA and North America, but worldwide. Legitimate businesses and Canadian jobs are adversely impacted by Intellectual Property crime. Criminal organizations involved in piracy reap the benefits and have no regard for the negative effects this activity has on the Canadian economy,” says Inspector Todd Gilmore, Officer in Charge of the GTA Federal Enforcement Section.

Charged with one count of fraud contrary to Section 380(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada and seven counts contrary to the Copyright Act is:

1. Chak Hing CHONG (Tony) , 38 years old, 51 Armando Drive, Markham, Ontario

Also charged with Copyright Act offences are:

2. Nguyey Quynh DUONG of Brampton, Ontario
3. Lai CHing Irene CHUNG of Mississauga, Ontario
4. Han DENG of Brampton, Ontario
5. Niao Na CHI of Mississauga, Ontario
6. Tian DAI of Mississauga, Ontario

The investigation is still ongoing, the first court appearance for the listed accused is scheduled for June 23, 2011 at the Brampton court.